A Child in Striped Pyjamas

Cockpit Theatre / ECHO Ensemble

The world premiere production of award-winning composer Noah Max’s debut opera, based on John Boyne’s best-selling holocaust fable, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. This Echo Ensemble production enjoyed a sell out run, and was met with an extremely positive audience response. My aim in this production was to present this harrowing piece simply and arrestingly for the audience, without complicating it with too many directorial interventions on this premiere showing of the work. You can read my programme note here. The show was later revived at the Brundibar Arts Festival.

Composer and librettist: Noah Max. Direction, Design, and Lighting Design: Guido Martin-Brandis. Fence design and production: Adam Smith. Assistant Director: Donya Rafati. Poster Design: Noah Max and Guido Martin-Brandis. Production Photos: Bonnie Britain

German Child: Susanna MacRae

Jewish Child: Rachel Roper

Lieutenant Kotler: Xavier Hetherington

Father: Jeremy Huw Williams

Orchestra: Echo Ensemble

Conductor: Noah Max

REVIEws

The Telegraph - Nicholas Kenyon

“Holocaust drama that’s emotionally ambitious and diligently delivered.

As the opera reaches its shocking climax, which is effectively staged by director Guido Martin-Brandis, the music almost evaporates as the Father confronts the loss of his son.

There can be no doubt of the integrity with which the tight-knit company deliver it.”

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Evening Standard - Barry Millington

★★★★

“Intense, harrowing drama.

A simple but effective staging by Guido Martin-Brandis.”

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Londontheatre1 - Chris Omaweng

★★★★

“It is an engaging production, sensitively handling the provocative subject matter in a way that lends itself well to the operatic art form.”

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Hugh Canning - Operalogue

“Two performances… two sellouts of Guido Martin-Brandis’s austere, yet atmospheric, in-the-round staging.”

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The Arts Desk

★★★★

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Planet Hugill - Robert Hugill

“Guido Martin-Brandis' production was simple and effective. 

An intensely serious and thoughtful evening.”

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Michael Hollick opera reviews

“The direction, by Guido Martin-Brandis, is simple and clear. The confrontation between the two men is thrillingly realised. Crucially, the adults are not shown as simple monsters, but as complex personalities convinced they are doing the “right” thing. The scene unfolds like a thriller”